Tag: charity

Montana Honeymoon & Homemade Wreaths

“Think big thoughts, but relish small pleasures.” ― H. Jackson Browne, Jr.

As we all prepare for the holidays, we’re trying to focus on the big picture, while giving thanks for how fortunate we are.

This weekend, we’re dreaming big, and appreciating all the little things that add up to a beautiful life.

This week we watched Angelina Jolie’s big speech honoring her late mother. Extraordinary.

We loved this little picture of cozy love.

We’re dreaming of big sky country. Not everyone goes to the beach or leaves the country for their honeymoon. And when we stumbled upon this article (where we got that epic featured image above), we began thinking that honeymooning in Montana would be so amazingly romantic. Bison in the wild. Glamping. Skiing and hot springs. What is not to love?

A little style inspiration from a chic lady.

Big parties ahead! We enjoyed this, and just in time for the holidays. NY fashion designer and consummate hostess Lela Rose shares her entertaining tips.

Incorporating a little color for beginners, and how to do it well.

And some big pops of color worthy of a major celebration.

Big day hairstyles. And big deal hairstyles on a little girl.

Big hearts.

And a little housewarming gesture we love.

We’d love you to like us on Facebook!

 

 

we love: doing everything better

“What ever you do, do it well. Do it so well that when people see you do it they will want to come back and see you do it again and they will want to bring others and show them how well you do what you do.” ― Walt Disney

This week, we’re learning how to do more things, even better. So here are some clever ideas how to do a lot of things, a little bit better. If you have any great tips to share, tell us in the comments!

Here’s how to help the victims of Typhoon Haiyan.

How to eat the healthiest lunch.

How to dress. The 10 fashion commandments, by J Crew’s Jenna Lyons.

How to get superhuman energy.

And here’s how not to mess up your day. (We love the part about only wearing clothes you love. So true!)

How to start a houseplant collection.

How to start a necklace collection.

How to peel a head of garlic in 10 seconds.

Use it to make the best garlic bread.

And how to feel glamorous every morning, without fail.

How to take natural and relaxed group photos. Check these out. So much fun.

And last, but not least, how to find the perfect engagement ring.

Have a swell weekend, everyone!

Featured image via.

‘Like’ us on Facebook!

 

 

Refined Simplicity & Marcella Hazan

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” Leonardo DaVinci.

In honor of the late, great food writer Marcella Hazan, the maven of simplicity, it’s all about simple, relaxing pleasures this week.

Here’s Marcella’s famous 3 ingredient tomato sauce. Nothing could be simpler, or better.

The colorful office supplies company Poppin is having an anniversary sale with 20% off everything. Their tagline is “Work Happy, ” and their design aesthetic is sleek and contemporary with every candy color you can imagine. So much fun.

And here’s a simple way to do good and look good. Pick something gorgeous to wear (or to share) from the Live in Pink Collection, and 60% of the purchase goes to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Here’s a cool find. Flower paintings with a simple gesture that cuts through the prettiness.

A simple way to give his wedding outfit a little personality: a statement shoe for the groom would look great for a vintage-themed wedding.

Pumpkin bread, made with Amish simplicity.

Sometimes, it’s simpler to say “I’ll have what she’s having.” Especially when it’s all this chic.

Have a simply gorgeous weekend!

Our featured image is our Gwen & Tess set.

Like us on Facebook.

 

Breast Cancer Charities & Awareness

If, like us, you’ve been directly affected by Breast Cancer, our heart goes out to you. Fighting cancer is a cause that’s very important to us, and we’re please to have been recognized as one of Britt’s picks over at JCK online. We adorned our Leah ring with a pink sapphire and are featuring it all month as a symbol of courage, strength and solidarity.

We also noticed some other businesses bringing attention and donations to the cause, and we want to give them a shout out. We’re only including company’s that donate 100%.

Rao’s, (the exclusive NYC restaurant with the high-end pasta sauce) is selling a pink gift basket full of incredible products, and all the proceeds go to The Cancer Center at NYU Langone Medical Center.

Philosophy also donates 100% of net proceeds from sales of Shower for the Cure.

And if you like to give directly, here’s a breakdown that compares Breast Cancer Charities and how they rate.

 

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

Mar y Sol & the little gold dress

Here’s the week’s lovely list of links to help you give back, live well, pick a wine, and travel in style. Have a full and wonderful weekend!

Mar y Sol designs are so amazing, and so is the story, and the mission. Check out their vibrant fair trade bags, hats and pillows. We love beautiful things that make the world better!

We love a good party outfit, and this gold dress and hairstyle are so amazing! We might save this one for the “official” holidays, though.

A fun little flow chart for choosing a wine.

You gotta love fancy sweatshirts.

“Drinks I want to try,” from Bleubird blog.

Nine pumpkin recipes.

Heirloom-quality travel gear that’s meant to last forever and age beautifully. (Great wedding gift!)

And on the other end of the spectrum, 30 bags that look expensive, but aren’t.

Happy reading!

Image via, by Brian Hatton, a New York City wedding photographer.

‘Like’ us on Facebook!

think pink for breast cancer awareness & Cycle for Survival

October is here, and it’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

We’re thinking pink, so here’s our Leah Engagement Ring, sporting a pink sapphire in support of all the brave mothers, daughters and sisters who have battled breast cancer. We are so incredibly proud and in awe of you!

And here’s another cause that’s dear to us, and that we want to promote.

Our own David Cooper is cycling to raise awareness and money for rare cancer, for the third year in a row! Cycle for Survival is a great cause, and since it’s Breast Cancer Awareness month, we want to recognize his efforts. Go David! Let’s kick rare cancer’s butt. To learn more and donate, go here.

It’s also Bullying Prevention Month, so check out the inspiring #awkwardyearsproject on Twitter.

Didn’t cry yet? Five hundred and eight adolescent girls living in poverty in 14 countries across four continents were asked what they need to have a chance to reach their potential. It’s called The Girl Declaration, and we dare you not to cry.

And here’s one last link to inspire you. This bold 8 year old girl’s activism got sexist books removed from her bookstore.

Be the change you want to see in the world, everybody! And let’s all make a difference this weekend.

‘Like’ us on Facebook.

Featured image is our Jeff Cooper Larissa Rose.

 

 

 

We Love: Octavia Asscher Cut Diamonds & Strawberry Scones

The indulgent weekend. It doesn’t have to be anything too involved, but the rainy weather and fall busyness have us craving some coziness and luxury. So what do you have planned for the weekend ahead?

Going somewhere elegant? We loved this timeless and easy evening look. Simple hair, a boldly lined eye and a nude lip. Add the only Little Black Dress you’ll ever need. You’re perfect and you’re done.

Need a little more glamorous inspiration? Here’s Kate Middleton looking every bit the immaculate princess.

Staying home? Nothing says love like crumbly, fragrant Strawberry-Buttermilk Scones with your morning coffee.

Unless it’s an adorable proposal featuring our Naomi Engagement Ring and a stunning Octavia Asscher Cut diamond!

Set the mood with an exquisite scented candle, and let the magic begin.

If you have a little more ambition (and more of a budget to work with) Matthew Williamson’s wallpaper designs for Osbourne & Little are so luxe and amazing. We love the tiger print for a powder room or walk in closet.

And since nothing feels as good as making a difference in someone’s life, check out charity:water, a truly inspired way to care for people in need.

Have a spectacular weekend!

Image via Price Scope. ‘Like’ us on Facebook!

 

 

We Love: Perfect Black Jeans & Shopping for Charity

We can’t hide from fall forever, so here’s a lovely list of links to get acclimated to cool weather and crisp new styles.

Summer’s almost over. so if you’re all wedding-ed out, check out these chic City Hall weddings. How beautiful are these couples?

And how romantic is this surprise proposal?

And the kiddos are headed back to school. Let’s reminisce with “Yuck,” the documentary about yucky school food directed by a kid.

The perfect inky black skinny jeans.

And how about these stud earrings for a cool-girl, wear everyday signature accessory? You know we love the rose gold so so much.

A-Thread has some affordable basics and cute accessories, and we love that your purchase benefits great nonprofits like LA Animal Services, Kiva, Thirst Relief and Children of the Night.

Now having shopped, want to eat dessert and feel good too? Try “This Dessert Saves Lives.”

And gentlemen, these Don Draper-ish sportcoats are so cozy and handsome. Please wear them.

Here’s a helpful guide from their blog on how to match necklaces with necklines.

It wouldn’t be fall without changing your lipstick. Here’s how to wear bold, dark color.

And a must for fall: the basics of pie.

Till we meet again, cheers!

‘Like’ us on Facebook!

Featured photo via.

David Cooper & Cycle for Survival

We’re proud to announce that there’s a front page feature in the Centurion newsletter about the ambitious and heartfelt charity work of our president David Cooper!

It’s great for our jewelry industry colleagues to discover what we’ve known all along: David has been a tireless supporter of the fight against cancer for years, raising over $35,000 so far, and inspiring others to get involved.

As a Cycle for Survival leader, David will engage 100 cyclists in a fundraiser that gives 100% to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centers. The money funds research and treatments for rare cancers, and most cancers that effect children.

“It’s a massive event, tremendously powerful and emotional,” he told The Centurion.

The event is February 2, so David will hop off his bike and onto a plane for Centurion the same day. Click here to learn more about Cycle For Survival, and here for David Cooper’s personal page where you can read about the charity, donate, or sign up to ride.

Image, Conan O’Brien quote from Etsy.

We Love: Acts of Kindness

The past couple of months, we’re feeling more grateful than ever for family, friends and gratitude itself. Here’s our weekly list of comforts and joys to share.

We’re so inspired by so many good people. Join us in performing 26 acts of kindness.

Citymeals. A truly great local food charity for more than 30 years.

Support this small business in the hard-hit Rockaways and get something amazing to share or give.

Need a breather? Take a moment with these photos from this year’s Tour de France.

Then, cozy up at home with Barefoot Contessa’s classic comfort food...

And check out La Buena Vida. We’re loving Nicole Franzen’s aesthetic, her food and her gorgeous photography.

Feel like making a memory? This would be an unforgettable date or family outing. Read more here.

Photo by Mark Leary.